Originally from the UK, Emma Neal graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire with a first class honours degree. Whilst in Birmingham, Emma won various competitions including the BMI Woodwind Competition and was also awarded a place on the Woodwind Training Scheme with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Emma furthered her studies on the prestigious Postgraduate Orchestral Training Course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, having gained scholarships from the GSMD and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, after which Emma enjoyed a successful freelancing career in London and UK, playing with orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Emma taught all woodwind for Berkshire Young Musicians Trust and Hertfordshire Music services.

Emma moved to Cork in 2000 to take up the position of full time Lecturer of Bassoon at the CIT Cork School of Music. Past students of Emma’s are enjoying freelance careers in the UK and Ireland, regularly being seen in the RTE National Orchestra of Ireland, RTE Concert orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra. Emma’s students can be seen annually as members of the NYOI and the Cork Youth Orchestra.

Since her move to Ireland, Emma has freelanced with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra of RTE Concert Orchestra, as well as being a member of the Cork Pops Orchestra and Cork Chamber Ensemble.